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Minutes of board meetings are a critical aspect of good governance that ensure that there are accurate records of every discussion and aboutboardroom.com decision. The secretary of the board, or someone else designated to perform this function, is usually responsible for recording minutes at the meeting.

The person who takes minutes of meetings must be in a position to listen and capture the entire conversation even if some directors are debating an issue or talking over one another. The minutes may be scrutinized by a court in a legal case against the company, which is why they must be as impartial and neutral as possible to protect the organization from risk of liability.

Note the time, date, and the location of the meeting. This information will help you organize your minutes after the meeting. It also makes it easier for the reader to find relevant information. It is also important to note whether the meeting is a regular or special emergency or executive session.

List all attendees of the meeting. This includes the presiding officers as well as board members and non-voting attendees, such as guests, staff members, or other attendees. It is essential to keep track of all attendees, particularly when recording meetings held remotely.

Include an overview of every agenda item, along with a brief summary sentence or two that outlines the main topics of discussion and any major decisions taken. It is important not to include too much information. A detailed book can overwhelm readers and make it difficult to understand the direction of the business.